Commissioner Amber Waldref

10/16/2026

Next Tuesday, October 20th at 5:30pm, the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding potentially extending the Data Center Land Use and Permitting Moratorium, in order to provide more time to learn and listen, collaborate with regional governments, and to develop strong regulations. Please visit the link below to view the draft ordinance and view and submit public comment.

Our team of professional administrative, technical, and support staff carries out responsibilities involving administration and enforcement of County and State Codes related to regional comprehensive land use planning, development, construction, and alteration of buildings within the County.

10/15/2026

A few photos from the annual meeting of the National Association of Local Boards of Health. I enjoyed meeting people from all over the country who work to improve local community health. I learned a lot about funding, partnerships, and best practices for communications. And I was elected to the Board of Directors!

10/14/2026

At the Conference. National Association of Local Boards of Health. Was just elected to the Board of Directors!

10/12/2026

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day!

Join us for Spokane’s 2026 Indigenous Peoples Day celebration! ❤️💛🤍🖤

This year’s theme, Following the Elders, reminds us to honor the knowledge, strength, and guidance of those who came before us while creating a healthier future for the generations still to come.

The day will include an Indigenous march, community feast and giveaway, Native food and art vendors, music, dancing, a fashion show, youth and family activities, and much more.

📅 Monday, October 12, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
📍 Riverfront Park, Spokane
🅿️ Free parking

All are welcome—bring your family and come celebrate Indigenous culture, community, resilience, and belonging. Artwork: Helen Goodteacher, Forward Native Works

10/09/2026

In June we raised the first wall; on Wednesday, they turned the key to their first home.

It was a joy and a privelage to see the Boticca family step into their first home with the support and generosity of First Story First Story and Hayden Homes. I was happy to share that since we’d last gathered at the family’s home, Spokane County adopted a fee deferral and expedition program to support affordable housing construction. Congratulations to Lily, Ella, and Max, and to everyone who helped make this dream a reality for a deserving family, thank you!

10/07/2026

Yesterday, I joined Commissioner Mary Brooks and Commissioner Chris Jordan in voting to impose a one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax in Spokane County effective January 1, 2027, to maintain key public safety and criminal justice positions, as well as strategically invest in improvements for the future. This was not an easy decision, as I know inflation and high prices related to tariffs and the war in Iran have increased costs to working families. Last year, the Board of County Commissioners did not raise property taxes and cut costs by nearly $25M, eliminating over 91 full time positions, cutting funding to outside agencies, and delaying capital projects. Spokane County is now facing a budget shortfall of about $23 million for 2027 with over 70% of the County’s budget dedicated to Public Safety services. Without additional revenue, the county would be faced with 164 layoffs of critical positions such as sheriff deputies, correctional officers, prosecutors, public defenders, & district and superior court staff. And this doesn’t include potential layoffs across the county in non-public safety positions.

The new sales tax won’t address all the County’s needs and priorities, but it is a start to stabilize our budget and ensure the wheels of justice continue to turn. In supporting this tax, I am urging the Board to focus on these priorities:
--minimize layoffs in 2027 to critical public safety positions, especially public defenders/prosecutors/courts, where we have already made previous cuts
--provide funding for the creation of a 14th Judicial department to improve access to justice, efficient trial dockets, and faster resolution of cases
--provide dedicated staffing for the Safe and Healthy Coordinating Council to start working together on the recommendations the Commissioners received from the Safe and Healthy Taskforce to improve our systems, reduce recidivism, and invest in better mental health and safety outcomes.

I’m committed to continue reducing unnecessary costs and increasing efficiency at the County so we can continue to serve our citizens effectively and work regionally to improve our health and safety.

Spokane County

10/05/2026

Thank you to County staff and community advocates who helped in the development of these policies!

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) unanimously approved changes to building and planning policies aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing in Spokane County. The ‘Affordable Housing Permit Program’ will expedite applications for affordable housing structures that meet affordability requirements in Spokane County. The program will also defer collecting certain building and construction fees until the certificate of occupancy is issued.

“The need for more affordable housing units in our community is clear. Delaying fees and expediting permits will support developers build more housing faster in Spokane County,” said Commissioner Amber Waldref.

Spokane County Commissioner Al French also assisted in the program’s development. “Working with the Building and Planning Department, along with local businesses helped us make significant progress and see it through to a successful conclusion,” French said.

The new policies become effective on Jan 1, 2027, and will apply to either rental or owner-occupied housing units that are affordable to households earning up to 80-percent of area median income. The Affordable Housing Permit Program developed during BoCC discussions with affordable housing developers and Commissioner Waldref’s research into similar policies adopted by local governments around the state.

Read more: https://www.spokanecounty.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/6264

10/02/2026

I've been working on new affordable housing policies for Spokane County, and this week the BoCC unanimously voted for approval! The County will now put affordable housing projects at the front of the building permit queue and will defer most building and planning fees until certificate of occupancy, which will help affordable housing developers save time and money to build more housing faster in our County.

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County commissioners unanimously approved policy changes meant to help increase affordable housing, according to the county.The county said the new Affordable Housing Permit Program will

10/01/2026

Affordable housing policies, data center updates, and budget season! My October newsletter is available here

09/25/2026

It was a joy to attend the State of the County presented by Greater Spokane Incorporated yesterday! We heard updates on the Spokane Complex Fires and the Safe and Healthy Task Force, as well as partnerships with Partners INW, Avista Stadium, and Broadlinc. Additionally, we celebrated the service of several retiring County elected officials, including Clerk Tim Fitzgerald, Auditor Vicky Dalton, and our Board Chair and speaker, Spokane County Commissioner Mary Brooks. Thanks to all for your leadership and service to our community!